Casualties unknown

1993-09-25: Cessna 172 (N9841L) — Civil Air Patrol, Inc. — Emporia, VA

Emporia, VA, US

On September 25, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N9841L) operated by Civil Air Patrol, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Emporia, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A TAKEOFF. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DELAY IN INITIATING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After a precautionary landing on a short highway section due to partial engine power loss, a pilot found water in the left fuel tank. Following a normal engine run-up, he attempted takeoff from the same short section, aborted, but could not stop before impacting trees.

Incident Sequence

The pilot performed a successful precautionary landing on a short section of a county highway. The landing was necessitated by a partial loss of engine power. The section of highway had obstacles at both ends.

Post-Landing Actions

After landing, the pilot drained the fuel tank sumps and discovered a small quantity of water in the left fuel cell. Subsequently, he conducted an engine run-up and noted no problems.

Takeoff Attempt and Impact

The pilot then attempted to take off from the same short section of highway. He aborted the takeoff but could not safely stop the airplane. The airplane impacted trees.

Damage

Both wings and the vertical stabilizer were damaged.

Investigation

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions. An examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact mechanical deficiencies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13354. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.